2001 Chevy Express Charging System Problem

MMORRIS5M

MEMBER
2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
37,000 MILES

I started having battery problems about a month ago. I load tested the battery and it was bad, so I replaced that. A week later it was dead again, I took the alternator in and had it tested, it showed bad, so I replaced it. The next day it wouldn't start, so I took the starter in and had it tested and it showed bad, so I replaced that. It ran fine for the last eight days but now the battery is dead again. I have check the alternator and it shows to be putting out 14 volts and 130 amps. I have cleaned all of the battery terminals and wires. When I put the battery charger on it (i put it on the top posts and not on the side posts where the cables are) and set it to High 220amp start, it cranks right up. I don't know if its a power drain or what. Any ideas? Can you tell me how to identify a power drain?

1 Reply

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
4,750 POSTS

With fully charged battery remove ground cable and install a test light to cable and other end of light to the battery. The test light will probably light up bright then go real dim or go out after the interior lights go off, if the light stays bright with all the doors closed and lights off then there is a drain. To find draw remove fuses in fuse box one at a time until the draw goes away then when you find the circuit we go from there. Start with the courtesy fuse its the most common problem. Let us know